I really like this canyon because after you walk in far enough the hike becomes scrambling then bouldering which is more enjoyable nude as your clothes do not restrict your movements. It gets increasingly difficult. The trail dips down into the canyon from the rim and the stream is there for you to walk in if you choose. Although at some point you have no choice but to walk in the water. Once you walk between the canyon walls the temperature starts to drop and when you have to start the scrambling it helps to keep you cool.
The boulders are huge and sometimes you have to go around. The ferns on the wall in the mid-canyon are completely unexpected in a desert environment. It's cool, shaded and there is plenty of water to support the wildfife in there. The wall of ferns is growing because the seep, where the spring comes out along the wall, keeps the air temps down, like a swamp cooler. There is moss and other trees you just don't see out in the wash. The hike from the parking area to the ferns is about 2.7 miles.
There is a foundation of an old homestead on the way in. A family lived out here years ago, although not so long that concrete was unheard of. I think it is from the 40's & 50's.
#1 - Standing at the foundation of the homestead. I seem to remember the family name was Wilson. A peak in the nearby mountains is named for them.
#2 - This green meadow is between the foundation and the stream. I have seen these spring areas in the desert at other places throughout the state. They are always startling, even when you know they are more common than people believe.
#3 - Boulders in the stream bed have been worn smooth. Even with rubber soles there is not a lot of traction.
#4 - Some of the larger boulders make it more difficult to go upstream. The canyon runs east/west and is cool even in the summer but is wide enough that it gets enough sun. There is another canyon here called "Icebox" because of the remperature there. It is very narrow and doesn't get as much direct sun.
#5 - Rocks and pools just below the springs in pictures #7 & #8.
#6 - The water is only a couple feet deep but it's nice and cold for hot feet.
#7 - The shadows and spring fed stream keep this place very cool and pleasant. It's a workout to get here so it is usually deserted, even if I go on the weekend there is no guarantee that you will be alone.
#8 - This is the wall of ferns that people come to see. I've seen larger ones but this one is so unexpected out here in the desert, it's one reason why hikers come here.
#9 - Boulders make good resting spots. Especially for cooling off.
#10 - These two pictures show the view out of the canyon back out toward the park.
#11 - You walk through a desert from the parking lot and then shortly after passing the home foundation you begin to transition into this green and leafy environment.
#12 - More bouldering. You can see water marks on the rocks from flash floods and temporary dams that hold long enough to stain the rocks.
#13 - I could spend a whole day here if it weren't for the hikers that do come and make it necessary to get dressed.
#14 - This shows the three different trails I've been on out here. These are generally more strenuous the farther you get in and you are less likely to bump into anyone.
#15 - This is the canyon view.
This canyon and a couple of others adjacent to it offer some of the more challenging walls for rock climbers. Consequently past a certain point about the only people you will see this far in is climbers and the more adventurous hikers.
The average day hiker doesn't make it much past the foundation and green meadow shown in photos #1 and #2. If you go on farther in the bouldering seems to be an impediment to the casual hiker. As with any park that lobbies for more funding they seem to be motivated to make more of the park accessible to more people. This can eventually change the flavor of the experience. It is happening at another local site that has a huge number of petroglyphs. I sometimes worry about that one.
Some places should preserve the nature of the essence of a site as well as the effort required to experience it as an essential aspect of what it has to offer. Some may see that as an elitist view which will exclude some people, but the effort to see something should be a part of the experience also.
This is a special place for me because of what is there and what I have seen and experienced there.
I hope it stays that way.
Duane
